Selfie was THE 2013 word of the year according to the Oxford Dictionary. Everyone seems to be taking them, but most people have realised that it’s actually pretty hard and they might need some help on how to take a good selfie! So here are my top tips to try if you want to know how to take a good selfie.
1. Lighting
Good natural lighting is better than any beauty product you can buy! Turn towards a window or go outside to allow the natural lighting to reduce the dreaded under eye circles! If it’s a sunny day face directly into the sun or away from the sun to avoid shadows, or use sunset to give you a golden glow when the light is low and most beautiful.
2. Expression
This is one I struggle with as it does tend to be rather awkward looking at yourself! I have to admit I do rather cringe at the pouting that some people think is essential for the perfect selfie! In my opinion nothing is more beautiful than a happy natural smile, so don’t over think it. Try not to be too forced, natural is always best.
3. Composition
Always try to take your picture from above. Whether you go for the handy selfie stick, or for an impromptu moment, the angle is key. Don’t ever take a selfie from below, your proportions will seem distorted and you will seem to have a rather unattractive double chin. Another solution for the chin issue? Remember camera up, chin down!
If you do feel awkward try walking away shake your body, laugh out loud then try again and snap quickly when you are less self-conscious!
Have a go at tilting your head in different directions and changing the angles slightly between each shot so there’s a wide variety to choose from. Maybe straight on isn’t the right look for you. Try taking the picture from the side a bit to make it more interesting. Some people have a preferred side to photograph from, so see if you do!
Pay attention to what’s behind you! It might be all about the background if you’re somewhere fabulous to show your friends, or it might be more plain if the focus is more just about you. Watch out for distractions in the background, photo bombers (!) and cutting off the top of something you are keen to feature.
If you are doing a group selfie you may wish to use a selfie-stick to ensure you can get a wider angle. My kids particularly enjoy our selfie stick! (Make sure your phone is positioned tightly in the end before they start swinging it about though!)
Please stay safe, no selfie is worth an injury, so watch what’s around you not just the phone screen!
4. Editing
Don’t go overboard on editing! Again keep it as natural as poissible just with a few tweeks if you feel you need it! Instagram has come great filters and other great apps to try out are VSCO, Perfect365 and Photoshop Fix.
So that’s it for selfie tips…try not to take yourself too seriously! Have a giggle, relax, smile and maybe make a funny face! If you’ve piled on the make up and are posing, it’s just too cringeworthy! Just be natural, be yourself and enjoy! Do share what you’ve learnt, I’d love to see your sensational selfies!
If you’ve enjoyed these top tips, you might be interested to read my ‘How to take better photos‘ or ‘How to choose a photographer‘ or read more about my family sessions. Or contact me.
